Josh Donnelly on the attack for Whitley Bay Rockcliff in the win over Bishop Auckland. Picture by Colin Edwards

Bishop​‘​s huge pack rallied toward the end of the first half and from a period of good forward pressure they got on the scoreboard with a try and a penalty just before the break.

They started the second half in the same vein and pressed Rockcliff back and forced a penalty in front of the posts. Taking the option to scrum rather than kick, they lost momentum and Rockcliff ran in a further two tries from Downey and Charlie Muzzlewhite to finish the game off​ to win 34-8.​

Meanwhile, in the County Cup quarter-final the Vikings won 40-5 against Medicals with tries from James Lemin (2), Harry Elliot, Andrew Moore, Kieran Lydall and Matthew Bradely. Chris Forster added five conversions.

Dan O'Sullivan on the attack for Whitley Bay Rockcliff in the win over Bishop Auckland. Picture by Colin Edwards